Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Each day was a new adventure and I'll always cherish my time spent in Panama. December 29, 2022

By (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/02/2022 to 12/13/2022 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Panama - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself and the general career path I want to pursue in the future. It was a rewarding experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a clinic in town that was able to cater to my needs

* Safety:

Campus has 24 hour security

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The learning experience is interactive and therefore I was encouraged to learn the material rather than memorize it.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Since the chefs cook from Monday - Saturday, if you don't want to have to purchase dinner on Sunday you can save food from Saturday's meals

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? HISP 105
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Directed Research Project
  • Field Trips
  • Volunteer work
* What could be improved?
  • ore involvement in Panamanian holidays
  • More interactions with the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to live in such humid environment.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!